Incident Overview
A pilot flying as the lead of a two-airplane flight reported that the weather at the departure point was VFR. As the flight continued south, the weather deteriorated, and an IFR clearance became necessary to proceed.
Sequence of Events
The lead pilot contacted approach control for an IFR clearance. The pilot of the second airplane also contacted approach and was instructed to stand by. After the lead pilot received his clearance, he had no further communication with the second pilot.
Radar Data and Terrain
Radar data available for the second airplane indicated that it was maintaining level flight and heading in a southwesterly direction, toward rising terrain. The lead pilot later reported that the terrain to the west was completely obscured by clouds.
Wreckage Location
The airplane was located in mountainous terrain near the last radar plot.